Youth Ministry

Undergraduate and graduate programs in youth ministry provide comprehensive education on a number of subjects, like communication, religious studies and language. Youth ministry students prepare for careers in charity service, religion and education. Read on to learn more about this field.

Inside Youth Ministry

Youth ministry is a branch of religious service that specifically engages children and young adults in religious communities. A degree in youth ministry prepares candidates for a career in religious and church service, typically leading youth groups or directing youth outreach. They may have weekly youth group meetings, organize events and provide counseling to some students.

Graduates with a youth ministry degree may also pursue careers in non-profit organizations, education and social work. In addition, they may become directors for religious activities in churches. People who pursue this field should be passionate about sharing their faith with young people. They need to be able to develop a relationship with young people and provide religious instruction in a way that they understand.

Whether you're interested in learning about a youth pastor's responsibilities, discovering what a bachelor's degree program involves or exploring where a master's degree can lead you, Study.com has the resources that can answer your questions.

Education Information

Degree programs in youth ministry are primarily available at the certificate, bachelor's and master's degree levels at private universities affiliated with a religious denomination. These programs cover concepts relating to theology, youth counseling and psychology. Other courses may address religious history, linguistics and literature. Students develop the skills to interpret and explain religious texts to young people and offer them spiritual guidance, for some programs a practicum is required. Learn more about what degree programs entail by visiting the following links.

Career Options

Employment Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clergy made a mean annual salary of $47,540 as of May 2013 (www.bls.gov). Payscale.com reports that, as of 2014, the average salary for youth pastors ranged from $18,212 to $49,166. For the 2012-2022 decade, the BLS projects that employment of clergy members will grow ten percent. This translates to 23,600 new jobs in the field.